Texas is the number-one pickup truck market in the United States--and thus the world--so it's no surprise that vehicle manufacturers flatter the Lone Star State with special editions dripping with Texican influence.

Almost every truck maker has some sort of "Texas Edition" available within the state's borders. One of the best-known Texas-influenced pickups is the King Ranch edition from Ford, named after the famous South Texas spread.

On 23 September, Chrysler Group's Ram brand let the newest bull out of the chute at the State Fair of Texas. The new Ram Laramie Longhorn edition promises to be the most luxurious Ram truck ever--representing a clear attempt to out-ranch Ford's King Ranch edition.

"There is a healthy market out there for these luxury trucks," says Ryan Nagode, the designer tasked with turning the already upscale Laramie into a posh Longhorn edition. "If you're moving up in the world, make sure you bring your truck with you."

Apparently, the key to selling an upscale truck that still comes across as rugged is leather--and lots of it.

The Laramie Longhorn edition incorporates several cows' worth of leather throughout the interior. Hopping into the seats is akin to settling your backside into a freshly made baseball glove. Laser-etched filigrees and contrasting piping add western flair.

The leather doesn't just cover the seating surfaces. It extends 360 degrees around the seat. The seatbacks feature flap-enclosure pockets